Canada Research Chairs | Queen's Research Chairs

Dr. David Layzell, FRSC

Queen's Research Chair
Department of Biology               

Dr. Layzell is a world-renowned plant physiologist whose recent work addresses the challenges of climate change. He came to Queen’s in 1981 as an NSERC Research Fellow, and rapidly established an international reputation in his field. He is best known for his studies of the physiological, biochemical and biophysical factors that regulate biological dinitorgen fixation and the metabolism of carbon and nitrogen in legume plants.

Dr. Layzell’s highly-innovative approach has led to the invention of a number of novel scientific instruments and technologies, resulting in 5 U.S. patents and the launching of Qubit Systems Inc., a successful Queen's spin-off company. By coupling elegant empirical measurements of plant metabolism with mathematical models of relevant biophysical processes, Dr. Layzell has identified and described aspects of plant metabolic control that were previously unknown. His current research efforts focus on the physiological and biochemical factors that constrain and regulate reductive and oxidative metabolism in plants and soils. This exciting new research area has important implications for our understanding of how biological systems affect, and are affected by, the atmospheric gases that have been implicated in 'forcing' climate change.

A recipient of the C.D. Nelson Award from the Canadian Society of Plant Physiologists, and an NSERC Staecie Fellowship, Dr. Layzell’s research accomplishments have also been recognized with his induction to the Royal Society of Canada. Recognition of his expertise in the field is further evidenced by his role as Chair of the NSERC Grant Selection Committee for Plant Biology and Food Science (1992), and as Chair of the NSERC committee charged with defining the vision for Plant Biology and Food Science research in Canada (1996-97).

Dr. Layzell serves as Chief Executive Officer and Research Director of the BIOCAP Canada Foundation, a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and communicating research that explores the scientific insights, technological innovations and policy options associated with using the Canadian biosphere to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural systems, remove atmospheric carbon dioxide into plants and soil, and replace GHG-intensive energy sources with renewable, bio-based products. Through his vision and leadership in Queen’s-based BIOCAP, Dr. Layzell is increasing the University’s profile as a leader in climate change research.